The fundamental concepts and techniques of literary interpretation, with a specific focus on poetry: the nature of poetic language and the methods of analyzing figurative discourse, genre, structure, kinds of poetry; versification and the analysis of meter; the contexts of poetry (personal, cultural, historical) and the poet's work with tradition. Readings from a wide range of poets writing in English, including women and minorities, with detailed attention devoted to two particular poets (from diverse historical and cultural backgrounds) chosen by the instructor.

This course is required of all English majors, but it is open to all students who have fulfilled the first-year writing requirement or its equivalent.

Students wishing to become English majors should take 201 and 202 as early as possible, preferably in the sophomore year.